Sunshine Report: Sep 27th, 5 night Bahamas with pics (HMC, Nassau, Freeport)

[homeofthedogs]

Wonderful review. Keep it coming! :)

[KatieCharlotte]

One thing I love most about the Conquest class ships is the large shady area at the aft, adult pool. While I love the pools and hot tubs, I don’t like to sit in the sun. I was concerned the Serenity area wouldn’t have any shade near the pool.

It’s not huge, but there is space:

Here is the waterfall:

DW behind the waterfall:

I must say, the pool was a little cold. Make that – the pool was a LOT cold! Beyond refreshing! But, as the younger generation says, “YOLO”. So, I did get in for a bit. I teased people that tried to get in that if they did, they were an official member of “The Polar Bear Club”. LOL

DW and I did go up to the hot tub as well. We visited with a few folks. We were only there once and ran into another couple from South Carolina. Because the Serenity is split into 3 levels, I didn’t get many pics. We sat in the middle level, but the pool is one down and the hot tub is one up.

Here’s a few more pics “behind the waterfall”:

I’ve said it a few times, and may again – the seas were VERY calm today. It looks like we are on a lake. I really like this picture:

We then went down to the Lido pool for a bit. The water there was a little warmer. It was…refreshing.

Then, we headed back to the room to get cleaned up.

So, back to crowd and noise discussion for a minute. This was the only time we spent at the Lido/Serenity area today. We were there early, before the huge crowds. And before they started the music and activities on the Lido that would make the Serenity area near the pool not as peaceful. This is what I mean about how I go about avoiding crowds. We fully enjoyed our morning and didn’t leave because of the crowds or noise, but because we had other things to do.

Coming soon: More food pics

 

Yes, that's one reason I think my family will be fine on the Sunshine. We always seem to be going one way while the crowds are going another on cruises.

 

Beautiful photos. I am enjoying your review and another opportunity to dream about our December cruise on the Sunshine.

[CruzinScotty]

Great review! We sailed her when she was the Destiny...and it's nice to see pix of her now! Can't wait to read more...no cruises on the horizon for our family, but hoping to book one sometime!!!! :D

 

Thank you. When I don't have a cruise in the works, I love reading trip reports, too.

 

Wonderful review. Keep it coming! :)

 

Thanks! More coming right up. :)

[CruzinScotty]

Yes, that's one reason I think my family will be fine on the Sunshine. We always seem to be going one way while the crowds are going another on cruises.

 

Beautiful photos. I am enjoying your review and another opportunity to dream about our December cruise on the Sunshine.

 

It's all in what you make of it. You have the right attitude and touring style. I'm hope you find helpful info for your cruise and hope you have a great time!

Edited October 16, 2015 by CruzinScotty

[CruzinScotty]

With only one Sea Day, this is the only chance to enjoy the Brunch. It was not crowded when we arrived around 11am.

 

They have a nice assortment of pastries:

 

 

Here are some eggs and hash browns:

 

 

I love the Steak and Eggs:

 

You do realize that is Filet Mignon on there, right?

 

 

It comes with the fries. I added some cheese grits:

 

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[CruzinScotty]

One thing to keep in mind, everything is on the same menu. Don’t forget to order dessert when you order your breakfast/entrée. It really slows down your service if you order dessert at the end.

Here is the Double Chocolate Brownie:

The banana cream pie:

And last, but not least, the Caramel Cheesecake:

Next, I spy…..something not remodeled on the Sunshine.

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Edited October 16, 2015 by CruzinScotty

[johnnyf0614]

One thing to keep in mind, everything is on the same menu. Don’t forget to order dessert when you order your breakfast/entrée. It really slows down your service if you order dessert at the end.

Here is the Double Chocolate Brownie:

The banana cream pie:

And last, but not least, the Caramel Cheesecake:

Next, I spy…..something not remodeled on the Sunshine.

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Ohhh can't wait to see what wasn't changed.

[CruzinScotty]

Ohhh can't wait to see what wasn't changed.

 

We'll find out in a minute.

 

I had heard of one thing not updated. I'll have that picture later. My next post will have something I had not heard. We'll see if I'm right or not.

[CruzinScotty]

After Brunch, one of my DB/SIL’s came to visit our cabin. They commented that the colors, couch and storage were very different. They were in a Spa cabin, so we continued our visit up there. Somewhere along the way, I saw the door to a Suite Cabin on Deck 7 open.

I took a quick picture:

Ummmmmm, those aren’t the right colors for this beach themed ship? I remember those colors on the Liberty. Did they not redo the suite cabins to match the rest of the ship???

 

Anyways, in the Spa area; the murals, carpeting and even the doors are different (no slats):

DB/SIL are Platinum, they showed us a plate of goodies they received:

DW had decided not to go to the Sea Brunch. She got a late breakfast on the Lido. She was enjoying some goodies while we visited.

Here is the Spa cabin. The décor here is very nice and matches the beach theme as well. Notice the couch is very different and is full size:

But, the thing I liked the MOST about the Spa Cabin, the SLIDING GLASS DOOR:

They were on deck 10, the deck 11 balconies are directly above their bed. So they have complete sun during the day; but a better view of the sky at night.

Edited October 17, 2015 by CruzinScotty

[CruzinScotty]

I’m sure it has to do with the plumbing, but I was surprised to see the bathroom up here is not like the Fantasy class, but like the Conquest/Dream class:

I told you I’d say it again. Look at how calm the seas are today:

Today, we were sailing with Grand Bahama Island to the north and Abaco to the East. We were really protected from the Atlantic in our own “Lake Bahama”. :)

Later, it was time for a little relaxing in our own cabin/balcony and time to get cleaned up for the rest of the day.

I did a little walking and caught the tail end of the Dr. Seuss parade:

 

Coming soon, two disappointing Carnival events.

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Edited October 17, 2015 by CruzinScotty

[CruzinScotty]

So, I think I’ve been pretty honest with this review. I really enjoy Carnival and overall, have enjoyed the Sunshine. But, this afternoon, there were two events that did not go well.

Let’s start with a little history: We celebrated my Dad’s 90th birthday on last year’s Liberty cruise. He is a WWII vet. Since we started our Family reunion cruises in 2012, we have attended the Veteran’s Meet on every ship. It has been held in the Piano Bar or other smaller, private venues.

Imagine our surprise when we saw that the Veteran’s Meet was scheduled to be during Tea Time.

Tea Time is a completely different entity that we have also attended in the past. Not that some veteran’s wouldn’t enjoy a cup of tea and a snack, but it is not the proper setting for them to meet and talk and share stories as this event is meant to be.

Let’s discuss the Veteran’s Meet first.

We got in line early for Tea Time. It is held on Deck 4 of the aft Sunrise Dining Room. When they open, we tell the crew we are there for the Veteran’s Meet. The first person had no idea what we were talking about. He then handed us off to someone else and said “Veteran’s Meet”, the gentleman smiled and took us to a table by the window. That’s it.

THERE WAS NO VETERAN’S MEET.

There may have been others there intending to be at a Veteran’s Meet, but the tables were spread out and there was no attempt to seat Veteran’s near each other.

The next section is longer, but I was truly more disappointed there was no Veteran’s Meet. It didn’t happen, there’s just nothing more to say about it. :eek:

[CruzinScotty]

Let’s put in the picture I mentioned to show you the wonderful desserts they serve:

They are: a fruit tart with a chocolate pudding filling, lemon cake and chocolate cake. I don’t know what the individual cups are on the 2nd shelf. Lastly, there are macaroons. They look chocolate, but I believe they were hazelnut or mocha.

If you’ve not been to Tea Time, it should go like this:

You are shown a box with different teas, you pick what you want. They bring individual pots of hot water so you can let the tea steep. Next, they bring around finger sandwiches; usually cucumber and also smoked salmon. Lastly, comes the wonderful dessert cart pictured above. The server explains what everything is and you select one, two or every item they have. It can be a very fun event.

And……here’s what happened to us:

It was clear that most of the staff did not want to be there. They wanted us “in and out” as soon as possible so they could get ready for dinner.

We were one of the first tables seated, so we got our tea bags. No hot water. No sandwiches. Then, a server comes by with the dessert cart. She doesn’t explain what things are, she says, “What do you want”?

When we told her she needed to explain what our choices are, I didn’t catch what was on the 2nd row.

The server had trouble serving the first piece of chocolate cake. It happens. She expected us to “pick something else”. She was perturbed that we insisted. She also didn’t want to serve you more than one item to each person. She was quite unhappy with me when I chose the chocolate cake, lemon cake and two macaroons. Someone wanted one and wasn’t given time, so I asked for an extra to share.

When our plates had desserts on them, they brought around the finger sandwiches.

We had to “flag down” hot water pots. Very poor service throughout.

There was one person, maybe a supervisor, coming around asking each table if everything was OK. I explained that we needed another piece of lemon cake. One family member had wanted some but was passed over so quickly by the server after they got their “one item”.

He told this to a new person serving dessert. To be helpful, I took an empty plate from our table over so she didn’t have to bring the cart back. This woman had a nice tone, but still said to me, “Is there anything else I can get you, I have other customers to serve”. Well, if your co-worker had done her job and been courteous, I wouldn’t be “bothering you” now. But, I just smiled and said, “No, thank you”.

We laughed this incident off; and made the best of it. I did take names and explain this in the e-mail survey when I got home. But, I wasn’t going to let it “ruin my cruise” or even take up extra time by going to Guest Services. They could do nothing but apologize for someone else’s bad behavior. And, I didn’t want or expect anything in return.

The tea, sandwiches and desserts were all good. We were in good company and it gave us a story to share at dinner with those that weren’t with us.

We moved on during the cruise and will do so here, as well!

Tea Time is late afternoon and we do dinner early. We spent more time relaxing in the cabin and enjoying the balcony in between.

Next: Formal Night Dinner….with a twist.

Edited October 17, 2015 by CruzinScotty

[CruzinScotty]

Let’s talk a little bit about Any Time Dining. On most ships, it is held in the forward dining room on Deck 3. There is room for a line to form out into the Lobby if needed. The forward dining room on the Sunshine is too small as is the Lobby for a line to form. Hence it is on Deck 3 of the aft Dining room.

So, you go to Deck 5, near the Alchemy Bar/Taste Bar/Ocean Plaza area and check in. Then, you either go directly down to the dining room, or you are given a pager with plenty of space to relax until your table is ready.

We have 9 family members here this year. We know it takes longer to serve larger tables. So, we have always gone to dinner as soon as they open.

There will be more discussion of Any Time Dining with tomorrow dinner, along with pictures. Now; let’s eat!

It was announced a few weeks before our cruise that lobster was being removed from cruises 5 nights or shorter. There would be some new menu choices.

So, here is tonight’s menu:

The Every Day Menu:

The Steakhouse Selections:

I am only posting the Every Day and Steakhouse Selections today, since they have them every day.

 

The updated Appetizer Options:

And the updated Entrees:

Something new, the names of your wait staff:

 

This is the only night this was on the table, a nice touch.

We had a good staff. They were not as talkative as we’ve had in the past; but they were more efficient. They got us out more quickly than any other crew. Some nights it was just over an hour and a half. On previous cruises, with such a large table, it’s taken over two hours for dinner.

With Any Time Dining, if you like your staff, you can request the same one every night. We’ve been lucky on every cruise. We’ve liked the first nights staff and sat at the same table every night.

Next, something I asked you to remember from earlier in the report…….

Intrigued???

Edited October 17, 2015 by CruzinScotty

[CruzinScotty]

Remember last night's photo with the Sensation in it? I told you to remember the spot on the window – that was as a point of reference. And, I mentioned you could see part of the window to the left.

I forgot to mention that at Brunch, we sat at a table diagonal to our dinner table. Everything was fine.

At dinner time, we saw this:

What happened?

Orlando told us that a 6 year old boy was running and hit his head. He didn’t mention that the kid was hurt. So, I guess it’s: Kid – 1; Window – 0. :eek:

Here are a few Appetizers.

First, the Stuffed Mushrooms which were always on the menu:

Next, I love scallops and was pleased to see this addition. I ordered two of these babies:

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Edited October 17, 2015 by CruzinScotty

[CruzinScotty]

The Prime Rib. This was well done:

Here is the new Sea Bass:

Normally, you can order the pasta dish as a starter. I didn’t see that info listed on tonight’s menu. I asked if I could do so. They had to check. Last week, the Sunshine did an 8 night cruise, so this is the first time they have served the new menu. It turns out, for now; you can’t get the Blue Crab Ravioli as a starter.

So, I ordered it and shared with those that wanted to try:

And, next is the duck:

I like duck. I never have it at home. It used to be an entrée. Then, they demoted it to an appetizer. On ships with the new menus, it’s been further demoted to an appetizer in a pot sticker. Though I will say those pot stickers were wonderful!

So, while I missed the lobster; I was pleased to see duck back on the menu.

 

[CruzinScotty]

Now, on to dessert. Sorry no menu, but here are some choices.

Here is the fruit platter:

Notice how nice it looks. But, you have to cut the fruit. Oh, how hard that is after such a wonderful meal. Pity us. ;)

Here is the Cherries Jubilee:

And, finally a picture of the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake:

Next, our first attempt at the Comedy Club.

[CruzinScotty]

Sunshine Perception: The Comedy Club is too small. It is a joke (pun intended). The lines to get into this show are ridiculous.

My perception. Yes – 100%. My family has really enjoyed Carnival’s addition of the Punchliner Comedy Club. There was no comedian last night, so tonight we the first chance to see how it went.

The Comedy Club is toward the aft of the ship. It is on Deck 4, in front of the 2nd level of the dining room. But, that door is the exit. We arrived at the family show just as it was starting. We couldn’t tell how much space there was and wasn’t going to enter and make a scene.

So, to get to the Comedy Club, we had to go up to Deck 5. Then, you head to the middle elevator/stairwell and go back down to Deck 4. Next, we had to back track because the room really is that small. We made our entrance. Some found a few seats, some of us stood on the side.

Michael Macy was the comedian, he as great. The comedians I like the best do a lot of Improv with the audience. Most comedians don’t like doing the family shows. They are used to their R-rated show and have trouble toning it down. Far and away, this guy did the best job of doing a true family friendly show and you could tell he was enjoying it himself.

So, tonight, his next show – the first adult one - isn’t for 90 minutes. The timing didn’t work to see the main show in the Liquid Lounge. So, the room was left open; we all got seats together right where we wanted them. Some went to bring drinks from the cabin. We just visited and enjoyed ourselves. We did this to avoid the lines we’ve heard about waiting for shows to start.

We even noticed that with all of the activity on Deck 4 that this lounge is used as a “hallway” for people to walk thru when heading to 2nd seating dinner.

I decided to take a picture one hour before the show for you to see how many other people had the same idea as us:

Quite a few.

I have more pictures of this lounge later.

The adult show was also great. You have to exit after every show. Here, as mentioned, the exit is at the back – the entrance is at the front. The hallway is too narrow to have people exit from the front, they really do make you leave the back way. So, if wanted to see two shows in a row (except for the 90 minute gap we had); you have to do what we did getting to the first show (up to deck 5 and back track).

 

They have done a slight work-around on this. I’ll explain in a bit.

Coming soon, Disco anyone?

Edited October 17, 2015 by CruzinScotty

[CruzinScotty]

When I read Gambee’s review, I first saw the new Entertainment Schedule. This is a great information sheet that is in your cabin the first day:

It shows the main Entertainment for the entire cruise – all on one sheet. The back has an explanation of each of the Playlist productions.

Take a look at the Comedy schedule. Notice that each night, the comedian does the same Family Friendly show. So, there’s no need to go see it more than once. And, for the adult shows; they do the same show all night long. To help with the small comedy lounge, they’ve tried to make it so you don’t need to keep going back the same night because it’s the same show.

That does help some, the crowds are still there. One DB was in the casino one night. Someone left the table 10 minutes before the next show because someone was saving him a seat for him. He came back in a few minutes. They had already closed the door for the show. And people were lined up for the NEXT show. Those people were standing for 40 minutes to then wait 30 minutes inside the lounge. All for a 30 minute show. So not worth it, to this line-hating person. ;)

I said there was disco coming! Here it is.

The Liquid Lounge turns into as disco some nights.

After the comedy show, a few of us didn’t want to dance, but we wanted to enjoy some music and see how the room transforms.

It’s a disco, no way to take pictures; or anything that would come out on my camera. You’ll have to visualize.

I showed earlier that the chairs in the center of Deck 4 can be moved. There is a dance floor in front of the stage.

Here’s one picture taken earlier; but helps with the explanation now.

Notice the curtain hidden behind the end of the stage:

For “disco transformation”, the curtain is pulled out and around. It completely blocks off the Deck 5 “stadium seating” part of the lounge. The chairs are rearranged into groups of four with a table for drinks in the middle. All of this is around the dance floor.

All in all, a pretty neat transformation.

We stayed and listened to music for a bit. The sad thing is there was no crowd – less than 20 people were there.

While we have the Entertainment Schedule in this post; let’s talk a little more about it and cabin selection.

Remember I showed you earlier the back of the Havana Bar and a place for a band?

The “Late Night” entertainment is in different areas. On our cruise, the first 3 nights, it was the Liquid Lounge/Disco. So, if you have a cabin on Deck 6 directly above the Liquid Lounge; you would probably hear this noise. But, it’s not every night.

On the last two nights, Late Night is in the Havana Bar. So, if you have a cabin at the aft of Deck 8, you might be in the same situation.

 

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[CruzinScotty]

It’s time to retire to the cabin to see who has been patiently awaiting us:

So, a few minutes on the balcony with one more photo and it’s off to bed.

Coming soon: Half Moon Cay!

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[SMSACE6]

Thanks for the report, and the great photos!

 

I am especially grateful for your photos of the new menu offerings on cruise elegant night, that replace the lobster tail. It gives me a good idea of what to expect on the Victory in a week or so:)

[CammieO]

Thanks for reading. I understand about busy families. I'm so glad we made the effort to get together. After the first family cruise, it became a larger priority. It's a great way to see family but also vacation. The first year, the only rule was, "no expectations". Not everyone will want to do the same things. But, there are enough things - especially meals - that you do have time to make great memories together. Enjoy your cruise.

 

 

 

I was born in South Florida, but the Charleston area has been my home for many, many years. We love it here.

 

I hope I've been able to give you a good taste so far. Carnival sometimes gets a bad wrap for being the party ships or the Walmart cruise line. Some of my family has cruised almost every line. Carnival is one of their favorites and says hand's down has always had the most efficient AND friendly crews. That goes a LONG way in your vacation experience. I hope all have a wonderful time.

I'm sure we will love it! I have heard those things before but I am more than happy to give them. Try before judging. Thanks for the great review! I am itching for it to be tomorrow so I can see everything for myself.

[CruzinScotty]

Thanks for the report, and the great photos!

 

I am especially grateful for your photos of the new menu offerings on cruise elegant night, that replace the lobster tail. It gives me a good idea of what to expect on the Victory in a week or so:)

 

Thanks for reading, glad I can help. I love that I read a Victory review to get info for my Sunshine cruise and you are reading a Sunshine review to prepare for your Victory cruise. :) Enjoy your cruise.

 

I'm sure we will love it! I have heard those things before but I am more than happy to give them. Try before judging. Thanks for the great review! I am itching for it to be tomorrow so I can see everything for myself.

 

Sleep well. Well, as well as you can the night before a cruise. ;) Have fun, I know you will.

Edited October 18, 2015 by CruzinScotty

[CruzinScotty]

Tuesday, Sept 25th: HALF MOON CAY!!!!

[CruzinScotty]

After a sound night’s sleep, I was up promptly at 6:30. We sleep with the curtains completely open; we like the natural light to wake us up. :)

So, it’s time for my morning walk and more touring. Today, we start on Deck 3.

Here is the deck outside of the Atrium Lobby:

If you look far enough down to the left, you can see the windows of the new Deck 3 “interior” cabins. I hear they are a great deal with such a large window.

The Atrium Bar, Guest Services and the door to the outside deck:

Seating in the Atrium Bar in front of the mid-ship Sunrise Dining Room:

 

A couple of pics of this smaller, one level dining room:

Next, we move up to Deck 4.

Edited October 18, 2015 by CruzinScotty

[CruzinScotty]

Up on Deck 4, here is the long, narrow walkway heading aft from the Atrium Lobby:

The Library Bar has entrances from the Atrium Lobby and along the hallway. Here are a few pics:

On the starboard side, past The Lobby Bar:

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Edited October 18, 2015 by CruzinScotty